What types of hearing protection are there?

Earmuffs

Earmuffs are worn over the ears and close them with cushions that press against the head. They are robust and offer a high level of damping, so they are often used in industry, workshops or for short-term, noisy jobs.

+ Easy to put on and take off
+ Suitable for peak noises or intermittent use
+ No direct contact with the ear canal (hygienic)
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— Less comfortable when worn for long periods of time
— Can get very hot
— Less suitable in combination with a helmet or goggles

Disposable ear plugs

These soft plugs are placed in the ear canal and shape to the shape of the ear. They are intended for single use and are particularly useful in case of occasional noise exposure.

+ Cheap and immediately available
+ Compact and easy to carry
+ Easy to use in case of short-term noise
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— Effectiveness depends strongly on correct placement
— Not suitable for long-term use
— Hygiene sensitive when reused

Reusable earplugs

These are stronger than disposable ones and are intended for regular use. They often come with a storage case and sometimes with filters, so that speech and signals remain audible.

+ Sustainable to use
+ Also available with filter options
+ Better comfort than disposable versions
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— Regular cleaning required
— Fit does not always close properly, so there is a risk of sound leakage
— Damping is much less stable than customization

Customized hearing protection

This hearing protection is made on the basis of an ear print, so that the earplugs (also known as otoplastics) connect perfectly. This type is particularly suitable when structurally exposed to noise or when comfort and communication are important.

+ Always an optimal fit
+ Constant and reliable damping
+ Possibility of voice filters or other adjustments
+ High wearing comfort, even when used for a long time
+ Personal, so wearers use it more carefully
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— Higher purchase costs
— Requires maintenance and fit control
— Less suitable for occasional or temporary use

Which hearing protection suits which situation?

The choice of hearing protection depends not only on the noise level. The nature of the work, the length of exposure, comfort and the need for communication also play a role.

For short-term or occasional work, a simple solution is often sufficient. Think of a technician who occasionally walks into a noisy room. However, for those who work for hours in noise every day, standard protection is usually not enough. In addition, there is a difference between activities where communication is essential and situations where it is actually important to completely shut out ambient noise.

The overview below helps you make the right choice for each situation:

Note: In case of extreme noise (>100 dB (A)), hearing protection alone is often not enough. Technical or organizational measures remain necessary.

What if hearing protection doesn't work properly?

Not all hearing protection automatically provides good protection. Even when using the right caps or caps, things can go wrong if the fit is incorrect, the equipment is worn out or used incorrectly.

A common problem is false safety: the idea that the hearing is protected when it really isn't. Think of earmuffs that don't close properly due to glasses, or caps that aren't inserted deep enough. It seems safe, but sound still leaks in unnoticed.

Wear and tear also plays a role. Rubber caps can dry out, filters can become contaminated and earmuff cushions lose their resilience over time. This significantly reduces damping.

In addition, maintenance is often forgotten. Ear plugs must remain clean, filters must be checked regularly and earmuffs benefit from replacing the sealing rings.

In order to really protect hearing, not only the right type of protection is important, but also the right use, proper maintenance and regular monitoring of the function.